Invergordon Social Club win in Highland Amateur Cup debut

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INVERGORDON Social Club made an instant impact in the Highland Amateur Cup with an impressive 3-0 victory against preliminary round opponents Thurso Pentland at the Recreation Grounds.

Social Club frontman Drew Sutherland is congratulated by team mates after scoring the opening goal. Picture Callum Mackay

While Social Club were making their debut in the competition, their opponents hold claim to a rich pedigree in the cup having won it three times in the 1980s.

But Social Club got off to a flyer when they scored after just three minutes.

Gregor MacKay, who was a late inclusion in the side, drove down the left flank and his cross was turned in at the near post by Drew Sutherland.

MacKay almost doubled the lead shortly afterwards but Pentland keeper Ewan Grant beat him to the ball.

Pentland's Stuart Ross was unlucky with an effort which rebounded off the crossbar in the 25th minute but it was Social Club who scored again just before the break when Ryan Ross scrambled a Sutherland cut back over the goal-line at the second attempt.

The visitors threatened more in the second half but Social Club stretched their lead in the 53rd minute when Sutherland headed in a Fraser MacLeod chip across goal.

The tie ended with three sending offs including the two goalkeepers in what was a far from bad tempered tie.

Social Club manager, Robert Mitchell said: “I thought we deserved the win over the 90 minutes. We played better in the second half, it was comfortable enough.

Last season's semi-finalist, Maryburgh were forced to fight back from

2-0 down against Gairloch/Aultbea United at Glebe Park to book their place in the first round.

Goals from Roddy MacLennan and Gary Watson put the home side in control but a Callum Johnston double, either side of a Liam Watson penalty, in the final 20 minutes turned the tie 'Burgh's way.

Gordon Bruce bagged a brace for Culbokie in a 4-1 win against Ferrybache at Bught Park.

Iain Ross and Aiden Hersee got the other goals for the Black Isle side.

Liam Hutchinson was the hat-trick hero for Black Rock Rovers in a 3-0 win against Ardersier at Cromal Park.